Saint Mary Magdalene — A Woman From Marseille By Santibelli, Circa 1820–1830

A rare and moving figure of devotion carved from polychrome terracotta, depicting Saint Mary Magdalene kneeling in a posture of prayer and penance.The saint, her face turned toward the heavens and her hands clasped, is dressed in a pink gown covered by a loose-fitting, delicately painted green cloak. Her long hair frames her face, while a broad golden halo emphasizes her sacred nature.The composition brings together several traditional attributes of Mary Magdalene: the perfume jar, a reminder of her anointing of Christ; the skull, a symbol of penance and meditation on the human condition; and a book, associated with prayer and contemplation.The entire scene is set on a richly carved rocky terrace, with a decoration that also includes small applied elements. The original polychromy, still largely intact, offers a particularly captivating palette of green, pink, white, and gold. Signs of wear and minor loss of material attest to the age and devotional use of this work. This Santibelli belongs to the tradition of early 19th-century devotional figures from Marseille, intended for oratories and private devotion. With its particularly comprehensive iconography, polychromy, and expressiveness, it is a fine example of the popular yet refined religious art characteristic of southern French taste.
A devotional work of profoundly unique character, in which the fragility of the material and the traces of time fully contribute to its charm and authenticity.
No damage. Marseille, circa 1820–1830.
Dimensions:
Total height: 32.5 cm
Base width: 17.5 cm